Gem Mint Ten

Killer Kelleher

2009-09-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mick Kelleher
Third Baseman-Shortstop, Chicago Cubs
1981 Topps #429

Topps Fact: Mick was nicknamed "Killer" by his teammates.
GMT Fact: Mick is the first killer to be named firstbase coach for the NY Yankees.

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Come out and Play

2009-08-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ross Baumgarten
Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
1981 Topps #398

Topps Fact: Picked up victory in Major League debut, Aug 16, 1978.
GMT Fact: A year later he starred as Vermin in The Warriors.

About Vermin (From fringeunderground.com): If The Warriors were The White Shadow, Vermin would be Salami. He's white, horny and in charge of making sure the gang gets where they need to go. Being that he looks roughly 10 years older—and 20 pounds heavier—than any other "kid" in the film, Vermin's claim to fame is a freeze-frame moment when his stunt double gets thrown against the subway bathroom wall and shatters the mirror. Well, that and having more hair on his chest than every gang in the film combined.

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Zorn Star

2009-08-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Jim Zorn
Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
1981 Topps #125

Topps Fact: Jim has learned to play the violin.
GMT Fact: More recently, Daniel Snyder taught him to master the 'Skin flute.

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SI Reflects on the Begining of the End

2009-08-19T12:20:00.001-07:00

Last week Topps put its proverbial foot on Upper Deck's throat. This week, SI takes a look at the story behind the card that became the Alpha and Omega of the sports card industry.

The Last Iconic Baseball Card

Twenty years ago one teenager made a bet on the stardom of another teen, whose rookie card would become one of a kind. It would also signal the beginning of the end of a once-thriving industry

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Paul Lukas at the National Sports Collector Convention

2009-08-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Uni Watch's Paul Lukas highlights some of the most interesting collectables at the National Sports Collector Convention.

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NYT: Topps Gets Exclusive Deal With Baseball, Landing a Blow to Upper Deck

2009-08-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

Via Watchdog's Neil Best at Newsday:

Interesting story by Sandomir of the Times regarding MLB signing an exclusive deal with Topps for baseball card rights.

I had forgotten people still buy baseball cards, although apparently much less of them than they used to.

For those of you too young to remember the early 1990s, the baseball card market was a really big deal in the period preceding the Beanie Baby, real estate and Twitter bubbles.

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Gay Collector's Cards to be on Display at Gay Community Night at Citizens Bank Park

2009-07-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

From the Philadelphia Gay News:

For Bob Szwajkos, baseball is more than just an American pastime; it’s his family’s pastime.

The openly gay Bucks County attorney began collecting baseball cards and other memorabilia as a child, continuing a tradition his father started nearly 80 years ago.

A portion of the Szwajkos Family Baseball Card Collection is currently on display in Citizens Bank’s Hall of Fame section and will be open for guests with Hall of Fame box seats during Gay Community Night at the Aug. 4 Phillies game.

H/T JoeSportsFan

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Remembering World League Football with Pro Set

2009-06-30T18:08:00.001-07:00

Stan Gelbaugh
Quarterback, London Monarchs
1991 Pro Set #704

Pro Set Fact: Named World League's offensive most valuable player after leading London Monarchs to title in 1991.
GMT Fact: Named World League's most offensive mustache after gluing a caterpillar on his upper lip in 1991.

Wayne Davis
Linebacker, Orlando Thunder
1991 pro Set #23

Pro Set Fact: Two-year National Football League veteran was top overall selection among linebackers in the 1991 World League Draft.
GMT Fact: First World League linebacker to dress like a "G-d damn" lemon-lime popsicle.

Roman Gabriel
Head Coach, Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks
1991 Pro Set #24

Pro Set Fact: Former all-pro quarterback and most valuable player in 1969.
GMT Fact: When Gabriel heard the coaching gig came with free red slacks and a Haines 50/50 ash-colored sweatshirt with a poor man's stealth bomber on it, the deal was sealed. To make said deal official, Gabriel simply shot the Skyhawks owner the old finger gun and winked.

Jason Garrett
Quarterback, San Antonio Riders
1991 Pro Set #31

Pro Set Fact: Ivy League Player of the Year while at Princeton in 1988.
GMT Fact: Today, no one would know who Jason Garrett was had he not starred opposite Jim Carrey in the Truman Show.

Todd Hammel
Quarterback, New York-New Jersey Knights
1991 Pro Set #19

Pro Set Fact: Also was in camp with Atlanta Falcons
GMT Fact: No helmet can possibly contain Todd's massive f*cking cranium and aerodynamic mullet made of space age polymers.

Kay Stephenson
Head Coach, Sacramento Surge
1991 Pro Set #27

Pro Set Fact: Former Buffalo Bills head coach was in real estate business in Florida when Surge came calling.
GMT Fact: Stephenson remains the first and only real estate agent ever hired to coach both an NFL and WL football team. Can still get you a great deal on a 3-bedroom, 2-bath in Bocca.

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Video: I Got Baseball Cards

2009-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Via: @HarrisonKeith

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Pro Softball's First Superstar

2009-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Jerry: What happened?

Kramer: Well, you know, we were playing a game and, you know, I was pitching, and I was really throwing some smoke. And Joe Pepitone, he was up, and man that guy, you know, he was crowding the plate.

Jerry: Wow! Joe Pepitone!

Kramer: Yeah, well, Joe Pepitone or not, I own the inside of that plate. So I throw one, you know, inside, you know, a little chin music, put him right on his pants. Cause I gotta intimidate when I'm on the mound. Well the next pitch, he's right back in the same place. So, I had to plunk him.

Jerry: You plunked him.

Kramer: Oh yeah. Well, he throws down his bat, he comes racing up to the mound. Next thing, both benches are cleared, you know? A brouhaha breaks out between the guys in the camp, you know, and the old Yankee players, and as I'm trying to get Moose Skowron off of one of my teammates, you know, somebody pulls me from behind, you know, and I turned around and I popped him. I looked down, and woah man, it's Mickey. I punched his lights out.

---

I'd bet to say that none such shenanigans ever happened in the American Professional Slo-Pitch League where Pepi was treated as royalty.

Oh and for all you Philly readers and WIP listeners out there, check out who rode the pine for the Philadelphia Athletics club back in '78...none other than Ray Didenger:

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Philadelphia's B & G's Ice Cream & Sports Bar

2009-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Via Philadelphia's City Paper: "Ben Gollotti, who's been selling sports memorabilia for 35 years, opened this combo shop — collectibles and ice cream! — in the Italian Market two weeks back."

See also: Baseball cards and banana splits: B & G’s Sports & Ice Cream Bar (Meal Ticket)

B & G's Ice Cream & Sports Bar
814 S. Ninth St., 215-218-9923

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Topps Gives Us Head(s Up)

2009-05-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Knock. Knock.

Who's there?

Kebon Meeshle.

Kevin Mitchell
Outfielder, San Francisco Giants
1990 Topps Heads-Up #15

Topps Fact: None given.
GMT Fact: Mitchell decapitated the cat of a former live-in girlfriend.

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HHR: 1977: The Year of the Pro Slo-Pitch Player

2009-04-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

The 70's was a different era. It was a time when a man was a man, and wasn't afraid to flaunt his masculinity.

It was also a time of cockamamie ideas as evidenced by the short-lived and ill-fated American Professional Slo-Pitch League - a startup founded by a gentleman named Bill Bryne that featured a dozen teams, including the manly Pittsburgh Hardhats, Kentucky Bourbons, and perhaps the toughest team of all, the Minnesota Goofy's.

Click Here to Learn More.

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Unconventional Methods

2009-04-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Brady Anderson
Outfielder, Baltimore Orioles
1991 Donruss #668

Donruss Fact: Career Homeruns (3 Seasons): 8
GMT Fact: Taking a page from Looney Toons, Anderson stepped into the batters box in '91 with an unheard of 7 bats in his hand. When that did little to improve his power numbers, he turned to sticking needles in his ass.

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Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen?

2009-04-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Ooooh sorry. The correct question was, "Who are 1984's three AL active career strikeout leaders, two of which will never be Hall of Famers?"

Bert Blyleven
Pitcher, Cleveland Indians
Don Sutton
Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
Jerry Koosman
Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
1984 Topps #716

Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?
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Cocaine is a Powerful Drug

2009-04-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Doc Gooden
Pitcher, New York Mets
1993 Topps Stadium Club #514

Topps Fact: Rookie Card 1984 Topps Traded
GMT Fact: While most people remember Gooden as a pitcher, when times got tough and Doc needed a quick score, certain pushers in Harlem (and certain Topps photographers) insisted he turn around and be a catcher.

Note: For the life of me, I can't figure out the stat line on this card. It must be an error, no? It has Gooden playing 31 games, hitting .255 with 93 runs, 11 HRs and 86 RBI.

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Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Evidence Barry Bonds Was Juicing in 1991

2009-03-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

While many point to the 1998 McGuire-Sosa homerun chase as the pivotal point in which Barry Bonds decided he longed for the attention that went with being the greatest player on the planet, I recently uncovered indisputible evidence that Bonds was using anabolic steroids as early as 1991.

Bonds' '92 Score "'91 Score All Star Team" card clearly shows a head an estimated 125% the size of his torso. 'Splain that.

Barry Bonds
Left Fielder, Pittsburgh Pirates
1992 Score #777

Score Fact: Barry can pretty much do it all.
GMT Fact: Barry's an asshole.

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Giff Likes His Backfields in Motion

2009-03-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Kathie Lee Gifford
Wife, New York Giants
1992 Pro Line Portraits #12

Pro Line Fact: "...I see Frank enjoying football after all this time, and if anybody had a right to be tired of it, it would be Frank."
GMT Fact: Funny, Frank felt the same way about his marriage.

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Baseball's Folk Hero

2009-02-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Dan Boone
Relief Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
1991 Score #715

Score Fact: The most heart-warming story of '90 might just be the return to baseball of Dan, the seventh generation nephew of the famous frontiersman.
GMT Fact: Boone was once ejected from a game for circling the bull pen car around Joel Youngblood and trying to give him 'blankets.'

GMT Bonus Fact: Dan was 36 when Score deemed him a "Rookie Prospect." At 36 Daniel Boone was slaughtering Indians in Kentucky like it were his job, whereas Dan felt the need to carry on the family name by harassing Chief Wahoo in Cleveland.

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Bafangool, NPH!

2009-02-19T11:49:00.000-08:00

Steve Sax
Second Baseman, Los Angeles Dodgers
1988 Topps Big #46

Topps Fact: Steve was NL Rookie of the Year in 1982.
GMT Fact: Despite several forgettable TV appearances including roles on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Simpsons, Who's the Boss and Square Pegs, Steve never got over the fact he was passed over for the role of Vinny Delpino in favor of Max Castella on Doogie Howser, M.D. The other shoe dropped when Bobby Deniro laughed in his face (a little bit) when he expressed his interest in playing the overrated actor's son Calogero Anello in 1993's overrated stereotypical Italian-American flick A Bronx Tale.

In turn, he took his frustration out on Tommy Lasorda, defense and "hot trim everywhere."

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And...BOOM Goes the Quarterback

2009-02-13T09:52:00.001-08:00

Gary Hogeboom
Quarterback, Phoenix Cardinals
1990 Score #529

Score Fact: With Neil Lomax out the whole '89 season (and subsequently retired), Gary, who signed as a Plan B free agent, became a valuable starter.
GMT Fact: When Plan B fell through, Gary opted for Plan C: identity fraud. In 2005, Hogeboom was a contestant on Survivor: Guatemala, on which he posed as landscaper named Gary Hawkins. His cover went boom when a fellow contestant, Kansas sportscaster and pageant queen Danni Boatwright, pointed out that she recognized the then 47-year-old ex-NFL quarterback. Viewers cried foul, because, let's face it, Gary's parents couldn't pick him out of a lineup.

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Just Like His Sister

2009-02-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Scott Hamilton
Figure Skater, Team USA
1991 Impel US Olympic Cards

Impel Fact: "At age nine he wanted to learn to skate like his sister..."
GMT Fact: Of course he did.

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Keith Jackson's 227 Audition Photo

2009-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Keith Jackson
Tight End, Miami Dolphins
1993 Classic Pro Line Profiles #524

Pro Line Fact: When Keith Jackson was growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, his mother Gladys had to work two jobs to provide for Keith, his brother Byron, and his sister Gwenitt.
GMT Fact: Following his mother's example, Keith sought additional employment by testing his acting chops. He was said to have auditioned for the role of 227's Lester Jenkins by simply handing them the family photo that wound up on his 1993 Classic Pro Line Profile card. Ultimately, he lost out to Sanford & Son's Officer Smitty, Hal Williams.

Bobby Grich's Specialty

2009-01-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Bob Grich
Second Baseman, California Angels
1984 Topps #315

Topps Fact: Walloped 2 Homers at Kansas City, 6-25-83
GMT Fact: Walloped George Brett and Dan Quisenberry with 2 of his patented "stink palms" following the game.

Stop Me If You've Heard This One...

2008-12-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

A Bush, A Dick, A Colin and An A-Hole walk into a war...

President George H.W. Bush
Commander in Cheif, United States of America
1991 Topps Desert Storm - 3rd Series #177

Secretary Dick Cheney
Secretary of Defense, United States of America
1991 Topps Desert Storm - 3rd Series #179

General Colin Powell
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
1991 Topps Desert Storm #2

Saddam Hussein
Dictatorial President, Iraq
1991 Topps Desert Storm - 3rd Series #189

Jerry Reed, Madball

2008-12-02T09:06:00.001-08:00

Jerry Reed
Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
1990 Dunruss #614

Donruss Fact: 2nd on Mariners in appearances in '88 and 3rd in '89.
GMT Fact: Was immortalized as the iconic 80's Madball "Screamin' Meemie."

Before They Were Stars

2008-11-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

I came across a goldmine of unintentional comedy when I recently inherited a 1980 Philadelphia Phillies yearbook.

I'll be periodically scanning things in and posting both here and at HHR.

Before they were big league juicers and heart breakers, Bret and Aaron Boone appeared in the yearbook with their parents and younger brother, Matthew, whom they now affectionately refer to as the "Cooper Manning" of the family.

Damn, Lying Dominicans

2008-11-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

Nice air cast.

Andres Santana
Shortstop, San Francisco Giants
1990 Bowman #230

Bowman Fact: He played at San Jose in 1989.
GMT Fact: Long before Miguel Tejada made headlines for blowing up during an ESPN interview over suspicious questions about his age, fellow Dominican shortstop Andres Santana was engaged in similar shenanigans. While his 1990 Bowman Card lists him as being born on 3-19-68, numerous baseball reference sites actually list him as being born 2-5-68. Regardless of his age, he sucked.

For All You Comic Book Nuts Out There...

2008-11-07T11:13:00.001-08:00

This site is for you...

Kids, Don't Get Too Close

2008-11-07T11:06:00.001-08:00

Rick Waits
Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
1986 Topps #614

Topps Fact: His 1st major league One-Hitter: 4-7-79
GMT Fact: Rick Waits...and stares...and touches himself inappropriately.

For the Love of the Game

2008-10-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ernie Whitt
Catcher, Atlanta Braves
1990 Bowman #16

Bowman Fact: Acq: Trade with Blue Jays, 12-18-89.
GMT Fact: Earned his acting chops as Kevin Costner's battery mate in the 1999 classic, For the Love of the Game.

For Pete's Sake, Kurt

2008-10-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

You can't take the lipper out for three seconds to snap a damn picture?

Kurt Kepshire
Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
1986 Topps #256

Topps Fact: He earned his 1st major league Win: 7-4-84.
GMT Fact: His girlfriend threatened to leave him because he dipped. He called her bluff.

The Carpets Match the Drapes

2008-09-30T10:24:00.001-07:00

Hey, it was the 70's.

Courtesy of reader Jay Dubs...

Oscar Gamble
Outfielder-Designated Hitter, Cleveland Indians
1975 Topps #213

Sixto Lezcano
Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers
1977 Topps #185

Ross Grimsley
Pitcher, Cleveland Indians
1981 Topps #170

Alright Boys, Act Like Catchers

2008-09-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Whats more beautiful, the way in which they squat down and take pride in their position, or the sweet smell of spring training in the background?

Love how with the exception of Berryhill, none bothers to put on their equipment. Here's hoping they were sans cup and opened themselves up to a Vin di Bona smorgasbord.

Damon Berryhill
Catcher, Chicago Cubs
1990 Bowman #33

Bill Schroeder
Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
1989 Topps # 563

Jim Sundberg
Catcher, Texas Rangers
1989 Topps #78

Jody Davis
Catcher, Chicago Cubs ("Now With Braves")
1989 Topps #115

Scott Bradley
Catcher, Seattle Mariners
1990 Bowman #483

Balls Out

2008-09-19T06:22:00.001-07:00

On his 1991 Upper Deck card, Geno Petralli demonstrates the dual meaning of the phrase "Balls Out."

Geno Peralli
Catcher, Texas Rangers
1991 Upper Deck #492

You Know It's You Babe

2008-09-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Throughout the 80's, Twins pitcher John "JB" Butcher moonlighted as a guitarist for the band Styx under the stage name James "JY" Young. He can be found today on the Indian casino/state fair circuit with members of REO Speedwagon and Journey.

John Butcher
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
1986 Topps #638

Topps Fact: Earned his 1st major league Win: 9-8-80.
GMT Fact: To this day, still considered among the ugliest players in Twins history.

It Was All a Dream. He Used to Read Word Up Magazine.

2008-09-14T18:43:00.001-07:00

Frank White
Second Baseman, Kansas City Royals
1987 Topps #692

Topps Fact: ACQ: Free Agent, 7-2-70
GMT Fact: So popular in the black community in the 1970's & 80's was longtime Royals' second baseman Frank White, that Biggie Smalls aka Big Poppa aka The Notorious B.I.G. paid homage to him by adopting his name.

Totally Natural

2008-08-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Luis Gonzalez
1st Baseman, Houston Astros
1991 Fleer #507

Fleer Fact: Weight: 180
GMT Fact: Luis Gonzalez has never used PEDs and resents you insinuating that he has. He's still just the same skinny, ugly kid from Tampa that he's always been.

Hey There, Amigo

2008-08-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Tony Armas
Outfielder, California Angels
1989 Topps Big #99

Topps Fact: Tony comes from a family of '14 children.'
GMT Fact: Not sure why Topps felt the need to parenthesize '14 children,' but I digress.

This '89 Topps Big card was one of the few times Armas allowed himself to be photographed without his trusty donkey.

Create-A-Caption

2008-08-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Steve Bedrosian
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
1992 Upper Deck #622

"Hey, Bedrock! I got some balls for you to shag!"

Sticks and Stones

2008-08-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Pete Ladd
Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
1987 Topps #572

Topps Fact: Pete is affectionately nicknamed "Big Foot."
GMT Fact: Beats his old nickname "ShitForBrains," but not by much.

Screw You, Giver of Life

2008-08-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ken Phelps
First Baseman/Designated Hitter, Seattle Mariners
1988 Donruss #489

Donruss Fact: Ranked 3rd on Mariners in RBI last year despite platooning at DH.
GMT Fact: Kenny Phelps may get bested every once in a while when he faces a tough pitcher, but Michael's crazy uncle will NEVER let the sun get the best of him.

Fan Friday: Bless NESW's Bleeding Heart

2008-08-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Leave it up to a bleeding heart do-gooder to embarrass himself while waving the flag of "decency."

We like Ethan Jaynes. We do.

But his post at NESW Sports, "Gem Mint Ten has gone too far, Video," is laughably hypocritical.

In an attempt to raise the social consciousness of our GMT readers by preaching racial tolerance towards our brothers across our southern border, in response to yesterday's Angel Salazar post, Ethan preaches:

"Mexican Americans are much more than picking tomatoes. I am tired of the stereotypes. I could write down all of the OTHER things Mexican Americans do, but I will leave it to this video. I would like to personally thank Cheech and Chong for opening my mind to other ways of thinking, and I hope the folks and Gem Mint Ten watch the vid."

I guess to Ethan, all Hispanics are "Mexican" or better yet, "Mexican American."

See, had Ethan just ran a simple web search, he would know that Salazar is neither "Mexican" nor "Mexican American," but Venezuelan.

Proabably a Borderline Inappropriate Post

2008-08-07T12:17:00.001-07:00

Angel Salazar
Shortstop, Kansas City Royals
1987 Donruss #624

Donruss Fact: Split the '84 season between Expos and their Indianapolis farm.
GMT Fact: Not surprisingly, proved to be one of the farm's top tomato pickers, but was sent back to Montreal when failing to show proper immigration papers to Indiana Department of Labor field inspectors.

His "papers" were said to have listed him as "Fred Weinstein from Bloomington."

Angel Eyes

2008-08-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Tim Flannery
Infielder, San Diego Padres
1988 Donruss #328

Donruss Fact: Enjoyed another fine season as Padres' No.1 utility infielder last year.
GMT Fact: 6' in shoes, blond haired and blue eyed, Tim was often referred to (mockingly) by teammates as "Hitler's Wet Dream."

GMT Bonus Fact: Tim hit .228 in 1987 with 0 HRs. Another fine season indeed.

The Jackson 6

2008-08-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

While Michael, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine and Randy inherited Joe Jackson's musical talent and rhythm, young Ron inherited his father's facial hair and ability to swing a heavy piece of lumber.

Ron Jackson
First Baseman, Minnesota Twins
1981 Topps #631

Topps Fact: Led PCL 3rd basemen with 31 D.P.'s at Salt Lake City in 1975.
GMT Fact: The infamous sexually-charged road antics of the Jackson brothers, for instance Ron's D.P.'s, were said to have played a large role in traumatizing an impressionable Michael.

Lets Get Fitshaced

2008-08-01T10:16:00.001-07:00

If you look closely at this card, Charlie Kerfeld, who looks like the derelict woodsman son of Wayne Newton, is sporting an awesome mullet and stud earring.

Charlie Kerfeld
Pitcher, Houston Astros
1988 Topps #608

Topps Fact: Was South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year in 1983.
GMT Fact: He will never go down as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, but he gave one of the league's most unforgettable interviews.

El Polonia

2008-07-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Luis Polonia
Outfielder, California Angels
1992 Fleer Ultra #29

Fleer Ultra Fact: Born 10-12-64
GMT Fact: When not busy trying to bed underage girls, Polonia spent ample time doing his hair in a style he coined the "'El Polonia'...high and tight on the sides, El Dabarge on top."

Macho Man

2008-07-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a name Tribe fans can remember and laugh at...

Ernie "Macho" Camacho
Pitcher, Cleveland Indians
1986 Topps #509
1987 Topps #353
1987 Donruss #350

jdbaseball at MLBlog's "The Game" retells some Camacho tales from a 1995 Sporting News article by Sheldon Ocker:

Mesa is the most effective relief pitcher the Indians have had, but he is not the most memorable in my 15 seasons covering, the team. That distinction belongs to Ernie Camacho, who saved games for the Indians from 1983 through '87.

Click here to read his bizarre, and anything but macho, escapades.

Letting His Soul Glow

2008-07-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Jose Bautista
Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
1989 Bowman #3

Bowman Fact: Acq: Drafted from Mets 12-7-87
GMT Fact: The title role in the "Jose Bautista Story" was the only real noteworthy performance (besides The Color of Money) in the career of fat, cockeyed actor Forrest Whitaker.

The Ace of Spades

2008-07-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hi. Johnnie's phone here. Johnnie's not going to answer. Because Johnnie's a dillweed.

John Wetteland
Musician, Montreal Expos
1992 Pinnacle #593

Pinnacle Fact: Music and baseball have been two constants for John, who plays the guitar, the saxophone and the clarinet.
GMT Fact: Yet, he can't seem to figure out the whammy bar on Guitar Hero.

Punch Out!

2008-07-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ozzie Canseco
Designated Hitter-Outfielder, Oakland Athletics
1991 Topps #162

Topps Fact: Pitched in 52 games as a minor leaguer between 1983-85.
GMT Fact: Heard some Mexican news anchor was knocking Canseco boys on their asses for a paycheck and wants to know where he signs up.

Sid Bream Raised Arizona

2008-07-23T06:33:00.001-07:00

Sid Bream
First Baseman, Atlanta Braves
1992 Pinnacle #446

Pinnacle Fact: Gimpy knees and all, Sid remains an offensive threat and a stabilizing force in the infield and in the clubhouse.
GMT Fact: Bream once gave Bobby Cox a "Roman war helmet" - his threatening and offensive behavior knew no bounds.

Da Meat is Off Da Hook!

2008-07-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

Photographer: "Ok, Dmitri, for this shot just look like a silly bastard. Perfect."

Dmitri Young
Third Baseman, St. Louis Cardinals
1993 Upper Deck #428

Upper Deck Fact: "...scouts believe he can be a Terry Pendleton type when he fully develops."
GMT Fact: Translation: "Fat Third Baseman."

Simpler Times

2008-07-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

I think this is a post that most Phillie fans in their late 20's-early 30's can appreciate.

I found this old program, and it flat-out made me smile.

First, it is from the magical 1993 season.

Second, it features autographs from Kyle Abbott and Ruben Amaro, Jr. - the two players the Phillies acquired when they rid themselves of the posterboy from the dreadful mid-to-late 80's teams, Von Hayes.

Third - I actually kept score. I can't remember the last time I did that.

Four, it was a victory over the division rival Braves, who threw John Smoltz that day.

And, finally, while he will tell you it really wasn't him who hit that homerun, Dutch Daulton had a round tripper that afternoon.

The Onion: A-Rod Channels His Inner Tommy Wheatley

2008-07-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

A-Rod Checks Beckett Baseball Card Monthly To See If Rookie Card Went Up

Back on Topps

2008-07-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

The Sklar brothers, creators of HHR favorite Cheap Seats (available cheap on iTunes), have a new web-only series coming out called Back on Topps, about...well you guessed it...Topps.

The Riverfront Times caught up with the twins this week to discuss the project. See this interview here.

H/T: Sports Collectors Daily

Punk Rock Scott

2008-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, I posted Scott Radinsky's 1992 Topps card and proceeded to have some fun at his expense.

After I did, commenters pointed out Scott other career ask a skatepunk singer.

I was able to get in touch with Radinsky, now Cleveland's Triple A Bisons' pitching coach in addition to being the lead singer of the band Pulley and owner a skatepark in Southern Cal.

Via email we talk a little about baseball and a lot about juggling his various passions.

See complete interview here.

Your Crap

2008-07-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

Reader Jeff the Greek passed along two of his most cherished collectibles. The first is the Cory Snyder autographed rookie card. What makes this piece so special is not the card itself, but rather the totally legitimate looking certificate of authenticity that DOES NOT look like it was printed on the office laser jet.

The second is this Jeff Montgomery sig. On the surface it looks ordinary. However, it was encased in "hard plastic" with a sales sticker on it that read "35.00 EA".

The Greek will neither confirm nor deny paying 35 bones for this beaut.

Major Deer

2008-07-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Rob Deer has the distinction of not only being one of my least favorite players of the 80's, but also as having starred in one of my least favorite sitcoms of the 80's. Despite bashing 230 HR's in his career, including 20+ in 8 seasons, his finished his career a paltry .220 hitter with 1409 Ks (led league 4 times, runner-up twice).

Major Dad just sucked.

He did have a sweet stache, though.

Rob Deer
Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers
1989 Bowman #146

Bowman Fact: (Listed as) 6'3"
GMT Fact (In heels)

Buddy Cop Dramady

2008-07-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Most cards we display here feature players who just look the part of the stereotypical 70-80s-early 90s ballplayer. George Fraizer, on the other hand, looks like an extra from the Barney Miller cast.

Someone call Fish.

George Fraizer
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
1987 Topps #207

Topps Fact: George volunteered his time to work with the March of Dimes and the Special Olympics groups.
GMT Fact: Quit when they refused to let him compete.

Sabbatical

2008-07-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Posting over the next few days will be sporadic as Mrs. McCromack will soon be in labor. Hopefully, Fat Willard and the chief can hold things down at HHR. In the meantime, here's come good reading for you GMT fans.

HHR friend Eric Angevine from Storming the Floor has stared a column for ESPN: The Magazine's online site that will focus on sports memorabilia and collecting. Check out the first installment:

The Auction Block: Profiles in Internet Sales Courage

Tiger Tandems

2008-07-01T06:01:00.001-07:00

Bo Knows...you've got to be kidding him.

Bo is Bo. Frank Thomas could be one of the best hitters of his generation. But those clowns from the Orioles? Olson was a bust and who's even heard of Stacy Jones (6 career games)?

Stacy Jones, Bo Jackson, Gregg Olson, Frank Thomas
Auburn Tigers
1992 Fleer Super Star Specials #701

Send 'Em Sveum

2008-06-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hopefully now that he is no longer with the team, Red Sox fans can now laugh knowing Dale Sveum looked as awkward as a player as he does as a third base coach.
Dale Sveum
Shortstop, Milwaukee Brewers
1989 Topps Big #126

Topps Fact: Dale was an All-Northern California High School Choice in '82.
GMT Fact: To this day, that distinction remains the highlight of his playing career.

South Bend Scott

2008-06-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Scott Radinsky
Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
1992 Topps #701

Topps Fact: Scott's 31 Saves led South Bend (Midwest Lea.) in 1989.
GMT Fact: Coincidentally, "South Bend" is the nickname Sox groupie "Midwest Lea" gave Scott's junk.

The Jheri Curl All-Stars

2008-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Richie Rich at Home Run Derby presents the "The Jheri Curl All-Stars," featuring, among others, Prime Time and over a half-dozen Dominicans sure to make this site in the near future.

Fundamentally Sound?

2008-06-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

No, that's not Luis Lopez showing the proper way to field a ground ball. That's Luis Lopez being weighed down by the humongous medallion around his neck.

Luis Lopez
Infielder, Wichita Wranglers
1991 Line Drive Pre-Rookie #612

GMT Hall of Fame Inductee: Juan Berenguer

2008-06-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

He pitched as well as he drank tequila and mowed lawns.

His face is that of an angel.

With pride, we induct him.

1989 Topps Big #117
1991 Pinnacle #515
1990 Bowman #410

GMT Bonus Fact: His stepson Tom starred as Jake Taylor in the hit Major League.

Matt Nokes Has Got it Covered

2008-06-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Matt Nokes
Catcher, Detroit Tigers
1990 Fleer #611

Fleer Fact: Home Poway, CA
GMT Fact: Starred as Lenny Barnes alongside forgettable leading man Lewis Smith in the forgettable classic The Heavenly Kid.

Tom Niedenfuer is Mad as Hell

2008-06-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Apparently our failure to post yesterday left Tom Niedenfuer antsy in the pantsy and he decided to show us his "angry face."

Grrrrr!

Tom Niedenfuer
Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
1987 Topps #538

Topps Fact: He had a 7-3 mark at Washington State University.
GMT: Once a Cougar, now he chases stalks them as they ignore him at bars.

Craig Grebeck Has a Napoleon Complex

2008-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Craig Grebeck
Infielder, Chicago White Sox
1992 Fleer #81

Fleer Fact: Craig was one of four rookies to make the Chicago roster out of spring training in 1990.
GMT Fact: Craig, at 5'7" in lifts and a cherub face, likes to caress his mighty lumber.

Reader Participation: Heckle This

2008-06-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Someone's gotten under Jeffrey Leonard's crawl. If you can best tell us how, you win his 1987 Topps card.

Jeffrey Leonard
Outfielder, San Fransisco Giants
1987 Topps #280

Topps Fact: Jeffrey finds relaxation in playing the drums.
GMT Fact: ...naked while smoking a doobie.

Dick Groat

2008-06-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

The name alone causes snickers. But when combine the name with a photo of a guy pitching a tent, it's just plain ridiculous.

Dick Groat
Shortstop, St. Louis Cardinals
1988 Pacific Baseball Legends #108

Pacific Fact: Dick led the Pirates to the 1960 World Series hitting a league leading .325, while being named NL Most Valuable Player.
GMT Fact: His name is synonymous with venereal disease.

GMT's Slo-Pitch All-Stars

2008-06-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Dave Stapleton
Second Baseman, Boston Red Sox
1981 Fleer #236

Fleer Fact: ML Avg. .321
GMT Fact: Refuses to acknowledge that there is no base stealing in 10-foot-arc slo-pitch. He has been thrown out 3 times.

Pete O'Brien
First Baseman, Seattle Mariners
1992 Score #141

Score Fact: He excels in scooping up low throws and at turning the 3-6-3 double play.
GMT Fact: Refers to everyone as "Meat," except Bob Kearney who he calls "Shithead."

Bob Kearney
Catcher, Seattle Mariners
1987 Topps #498

Topps Fact: Bob and his wife are parents of a daughter.
GMT Fact: After Kearney sanded down and repainted a Miken composite bat (which he calls his "daughter"), his team would joke that "all it does is make Bob pop-up higher."

GMT Bonus Fact: Bob loves yelling 'COMING DOWN' in situations other than games.

Have You Gotten Your Tickets?

2008-06-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

...to the Rob Murphy Gun Show?

Rob Murphy
Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
1990 Fleer #281

Fleer Fact: Walk Ratio: 3.5
GMT Fact: Is a 7th degree yellow belt in Rex-Kwon-Do.

Q: What Do You Get...

2008-06-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

When you mix one of the greatest pitchers and one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game with cartoon characters?

A: Crap in your basement.

Nolan Ryan (with Sylvester the Cat)
Pitcher, Texas Rangers
1991 Upper Deck Looney Toons Baseball #97

Reggie Jackson (with Tweety Bird)
Retired, California Angels
1991 Upper Deck Looney Toons Baseball #79

Re-Airbrush Reid's Cap

2008-06-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

While I didn't doctor this card, it looks like someone doctored Reid's cap...and his face for that matter. Perhaps it was an airbrush artist on the Seaside Heights, NJ boardwalk.

Reid doesn't really play for the Sox. This was his Trentonian Softball Player of the Night photo.

There are much better airburshed hats he cold have spent his money on. Personally, I'd have gone with "Booty Hunter."

Reid Nichols
Outfielder, Chicago White Sox
1986 Topps #364

Topps Fact: Born: 8-5-58, Ocala, Fla.
GMT Fact: Reid's eyes are made of Italian marble.

3 Sets You Probably Don't Own

2008-06-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

What do the Phanatic, Youppi! and Bad News Brown have in common besides having never been in your kitchen? You probably don't own their trading cards.

Phillie Phanatic
Mascot, Philadelphia Phillies
1992 Donruss Triple Play #133

Triple Play Fact: He has a lot of fun with fans, players, managers and umpires and is very friendly.
GMT Fact: ...unless your name is Lonnie Smith.

Youppi!
Mascot, Montreal Expos
1993 Upper Deck Fun Pack/Mascot Madness

Upper Deck Fact: A young 14 years old, Youppi! still performs with the joy of a rookie as he makes as he makes his way around Olympic Stadium entertaining the fans when things aren't going well for the home team.
GMT Fact: Youppi! has the notorious distinction of being the first mascot thrown out a game, August 23, 1989, and was often ridiculed by players, announcers, fans and fellow mascots alike for being, well, Youppi!. He turned to a life of heavy drinking and spousal abuse.

Bad News Brown
Heel, World Wrestling Federation
1989 Classic WWF #79

Classic Fact: Bad News doesn't have any friends or allies, nor does he want them.
GMT Fact: Bad news doesn't use any deodorant or toothpaste, nor does he want to, thus, the lack of friends and allies.

Your Crap

2008-06-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

the chief, ever the artist, passed along the following:

"Here's an artistic rendering of the Marty Barrett baseball i used to have."

Viper: KC's Top Gun

2008-06-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Pat Sheridan
Outfielder, Kansas City Royals
1986 Topps #743

Topps Fact: Pat's first TOPPS cards was: 1984 #121.
GMT Fact: Pat flew with your old man. VF-51, the Oriskany. You're a lot like he was. Only better... and worse. He was a natural heroic son of a bitch that one.

Look Like a Ballplayer

2008-06-10T06:57:00.001-07:00

Ron Oester had it all, and by "all" I mean a bunt and a muffin top.

Bunt (or foreign object in trunks)

Do you know the Muffin Man?

Ron Oester
Second Baseman, Cincinnati Reds
1991 Upper Deck #611

Upper Deck Fact: Bats: Both
GMT Fact: Yes, he does. Yes, he does.

Mr. 600

2008-06-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post with some random basement finds to commemorate Junior's 600.

The closest I got to his '89 Upper Deck rookie...

I'm not sure what this is, where it came from or why I have it...

Punch-out!

2008-06-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mike Tyson
Second Baseman, Chicago Cubs
1981 Topps #294

Topps Fact: Mike hit his 1st big league Grand-Slammer, 7-5-77.
GMT Fact: Mike hit his 1st wife...repeatedly.

When did "Grand-Slammer" become a stat?

Why Get Lasik When You Can Rock These?

2008-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Alan Knicely
Catcher, Philadelphia Phillies
1986 Topps #418

Topps Fact: He collected 1st major league Hit: 9-17-81.
GMT Fact: Also collects robots. Lost a bet with Dave Collins over who could rock bigger specs. Had to grow a Billy Crystal beard.

Dave Collins
Outfielder, Detroit Tigers
1987 Donruss #215

Donruss Fact: Ranked 2nd on Tigers in stolen bases last year.
GMT Fact: Once bullied Ricky Henderson into racing him in his underwear. To add insult to injury (because that's the kind of guy Dave was), he had a photog on hand to document the entire thing.

Rickey Hendersdon
Left Fielder, Oakland Athletics
1991 Score Dream Team #890 (DT 10 of 13)

Score Fact: Rickey infuriates, distracts and disrupts an opponent better than anyone in the game.
GMT Fact: Rickey butchers, flubs and massacres the English language more than anyone on the planet.

We Want Your Crap

2008-06-06T10:15:00.001-07:00

I not only collect all things card-related, but most things sports-related. Here at GMT, I strive to not only provide you with crappy cardboard memories, but crappy memorabilia as well.

I threw up the Hug Signal at HHR to see who has the worst memorabilia, and the chief and Fat Willard were the first to respond. Their crap will be popping up shortly. But let's not limit this. We want your crap, too. Let's make this a 70s-80s-90s repository for sports-related crap.

Allow me to get the ball rolling, and I challenge you to top this before I break out the big guns...

Below is a 1991 Phillies Spring Training Game Program autographed by Mickey Morandini, Joe Boever and (I believe) Manager Nick Leyva.

Whats the Second Name...?

2008-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Mike Cubbage?

If there was one thing I loved more than collecting cards, it was crank calls.

I understand (about a year ago) Howard Stern introduced to the world the Bum Bar Bastards, a duo whose tape I listened to religiously throughout high school.

There was one throw-away call that I always laughed at, for no other reason than the victim grumbles the name "Mike Cubbage."

Mike Cubbage
Third Baseman, Minnesota Twins
1981 Topps #657

Topps Fact: Attended the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
GMT Fact: Forever a part of crank call lore.

The Beckett Weather Report: June 1993

2008-06-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

Like most avid collectors, I eagerly awaited the arrival of a new Beckett Baseball Card Monthly each month so that I could seethe with jealousy over Tommy Wheatley's gig and look up the values of some of my prized cards in hopes of retiring at the age of 16.

Having saved most of the issues like the junk hoarder I am, it's interesting now to look back at some of the commentary the magazines provided.

15 years ago, the one-armed bandit Jim Abbott graced the cover, donned in a Yankees spring training uni and the back cover featured Bo Jackson in his White Sox black and white.

MLB was also on the cusp of its draft. Beckett wondered if possible #1 picks Darren Dreifort and and Alex Rodriquez had the stuff to become hobby mainstays like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds...and quick- riser Brien Taylor, the "brash, flame-throwing left-hander [who] landed on the Hot list almost immediately, bolstered by pre-draft hype." Or would A-Rod and Dreifort go the way of 1984 #1 Shawn Abner (no and yes).

Speaking of the Hot/Cold list, it always amazed me how you were sure to find the likes of Pete Rose and Bo Jackson somewhere around the top of the Cold list, despite being two of the most memorable athletes in the game's history.

What also perplexed me was how some players found themselves on both lists.

Take a look at the June 1993 lists.

Bo, Jose Canseco, David Justice each found themselves on both lists. As did Frank Thomas, who despite being #1 on the Hot list, was #9 on the Cold list.

While the Hot list features some of the game's all-time legends, it also features nobodies and/or flash in the pans like Rookie of the Year Pat Listach, Rockies/Marlins #1s like David Neid and Nigel Wilson, and Cal Eldred.

Reader Participation: Pen Pals

2008-06-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Each of these talented ballplayers wrote "How-To..." books, hence their insistence on being immortalized on cardboard with a pen in their hand.

What was the title of each of their books?

Barry Jones
Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates
1987 Topps #494

Topps Fact: He attended Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.
GMT Fact: So, to answer your question, no, he is not as stupid as he looks.

John Butcher
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
1985 Topps #741

Topps Fact: Attended Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona.
GMT Fact: Despite the tough sounding name, Butcher is actually a pacifist and refused to participate in any strap matches at Yavapai.

Tony Phillips
Shortstop-Second Baseman, Oakland Athletics
1986 Topps #29.

Topps Fact: First major league Home Run: 4-16-83.
GMT Fact: Lead all AL rookies in Grab-Assing in 1982.

You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?

2008-06-05T07:54:00.001-07:00

Geoff Zahn
Pitcher, California Angels
1986 Topps #42

Topps Fact: Born: 12-19-45, Baltimore, MD.
GMT Fact: Crisco, Bardol, Vagisil. Any one of them would give Zahn another two to three inches drop on his curve ball. Of course if the umps were watching him real close, he'd rub a little jalapeño up his nose, get it runnin', and if he needed to load the ball up he just...wiped his nose.

Rick Mahler's Dating Advice

2008-06-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Rick Mahler
Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
1989 Donruss #222

Donruss Fact: Led Braves in wins, strikeouts and ERA among starters in '88.
GMT Fact: Mahler was known as a clubhouse leader - always willing to dole out words of wisdom, solicited or otherwise. His dating advise to younger Bravos was as legendary as it was simple...

Click Here to Heed Rick's Advice.

GMT Bonus Fact: Tried out as a member of both the Fabulous Freebirds and the Rock n' Roll Express with Ted Turner's NWA/WCW during his time in Atlanta.

Da Bomb

2008-06-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Steve Yeager
Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
1986 Topps #32

Topps Fact: Acq: Via Draft
GMT Fact: Steve's hard partying ways were notorious around and about SoCal. By fathering dozens of illegitimate children, most of which conceived during late-night benders with Blue-Bleeding groupies, his legacy lives on. One such bastard son honors his father nightly with rounds of Yeager Baaaaaams and dry humping on the dance floor.

NSFW

Frick...Frack...And Hack...

2008-06-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me who these other two jack knobs are or what their shirts should say?

Gary DiSarcina
Shortstop, California Angels
1993 Upper Deck #230

Upper Deck Fact: In honor of retired NBA superstar Larry Bird, DiSarcina changed his uniform number from 11 to 33.
GMT Fact: Larry Bird could give a rats ass. DiSarcina changes numbers more frequently than he does underwear.

It's A Different World

2008-06-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

From where Kevin Belcher comes from.

Kevin Belcher
Outfielder, Texas Rangers
1991 Upper Deck #26

Upper Deck Fact: Kevin is the hardest worker in the Texas Ranger organization.
GMT Fact: Kevin was the hardest worker in the Hillman College dorms, pulling all sorts of HBC tail. Middle name is "Cleophus."

You People Are Sick

2008-06-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

As sick as you are funny.

When judging Friday's caption winners, most of the HHR staff came back with the same reaction: "What kind of readers are you attracting over there?"

Demented.

That said, one of you demented folks swept the contest by near unanimous vote...tongent.

Who does Lynn Jones think he is?

Lynn Jones thinks he gives the number one moustache ride in the Motor City... and you know what, ladies? He's right.

What is Dave Camp's beverage of choice?

Rick Camp drinks Grape Thunderbird spiked with PCP and hears "Purple Haze" in his head 24 hours a day.

Hope you are all enjoying these as much as we are. We are going to do a couple a week.

FYI: CL's TR "Top Rapist" Bryden will be dropped in the mail tonight.

Milwaukee's Holy Diver

2008-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Charlie Moore
Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
1987 Donruss #372

Donruss Fact: Had 13 OF assists in '82.
GMT Fact: This would be impressive had he not been a catcher. These antics very much frustrated the Brew Crew's pitching staff, namely their "enforcer" Mark Clear who is said to have beaten the tar out of Charlie in an incident in which he ripped his mustache off with his bare hands.

Mark Clear
Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
1989 Donruss #528

Donurss Fact: Lead Brewers in appearances in '87.
GMT Fact: Undefeated in clubhouse staring contests in '87. Looking into Clear's eyes is said to be equivalent to seeing the devil himself. Once ran sound checks for Ronnie James Dio.

Jack 'em Up

2008-06-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Jerry Don Gleaton
Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
1991 Topps #597

Topps Fact: Jerry Don led AA with .800 Pct. at Buffalo in 1985.
GMT Fact: Jerry's Don's stint in AA was marred by the fact that he refused to acknowledge a power greater than himself. However, an .800 Pct. is quite high considering it was at a Buffalo AA (hence him leading the pack).

GMT Bonus Fact: Laugh if you will, Jerry Don doesn't give a sh*t what you kids say about his pants being halfway up his torso. He happens to like the way his trousers feel wedging up his ass. Got a problem with that? Didn't think so.

Fan Friday

2008-05-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

An esteemed panel of HHR scribes were joined by guest judge Blog of Hilarity Chris to choose the winners to yesterday's questions:

What is Jim smoking? (TIE)

jim kern is smoking in the boys room, if you know what i mean --worldclassfad

Jim is smoking hashish and smiling because it's fun to say "hashish" --tonegent

What does T.R. stand for?

"Top Rapist" by the looks of it. --CL

What is Mike yelling?

Mike is yelling at the repo man, towing his '74 Monte Carlo out of the parking lot. --mrmatpsu

--

Your prize is the actual card. If you actually want them, send us an email with your address. We will rip Jim Kearn in half. Don't worry about him - he likes getting ripped. Heyyyyooo!

Thank you all who playing. We had so much fun, we want to throw another pair up for you to amuse us with.

Today's questions:

Who does Lynn Jones think he is?
What is Rick Camp's beverage of choice?

Lynn Jones
Outfielder, Detroit Tigers
1982 Topps #64

Topps Fact: Often used as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner, Lynn had 4 RBI's vs. Yankees, October 4, 1980.
GMT Fact: Often used binoculars to "Beaver Hunt" while riding the pine.

Rick Camp
Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
1981 Topps #87

Topps Fact: Was an All-State football player in high school.
GMT Fact: (Not really, but his willingness to do anything to be able to satisfy addictions garnered him a reputation as a "wide receiver").

The Dick Drago All-Stars

2008-05-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sports by Brooks tips us to an article by CNBC Sports Biz' Darren Rovell at Slate where he profiles the popularity of 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey, Jr. card.

In the piece, Rovell talks about how the Griffey card was given the designation as the #1 card in the set.

Junior was chosen to be card No. 1 by an Upper Deck employee named Tom Geideman, a college student known for his keen eye for talent. Geideman earned his rep by consistently clueing in the founders of The Upper Deck, the card shop where the business was hatched, on which players would be future stars. Geideman took the task of naming the player for the first card very seriously.

More interesting though, is the creativity with which Geideman numbered the 1992 Upper Deck Set:

It’s probably the most thinking Geideman ever did compiling a checklist, save for the 1992 Upper Deck set when he assigned numbers that ended in 69 to players with porn-star-sounding names. (Dick Schofield at No. 269, Heathcliff Slocumb at No. 569, and Dickie Thon at No. 769.)

Genius.

If only Dick Drago were still alive in '92. (Was he?)

Wonder if Geidman is the brainchild behind the World of Isaac's recent contest.

--

Dick Drago
Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
1981 Topps #647

Topps Fact: Home: Land O' Lakes, Florida
GMT Fact: Was disappointed to learn the Land O' Lakes butter Indian was merely the product of an artist's imagination...and his. Now he must break you.

Mr. Meyer's Neighborhood

2008-05-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Pop that collar, Bri. Pop it good.

Brian Meyer
Pitcher, Houston Astros
1990 Donruss #648

Donruss Fact: Signed by the Astros out of Rollins (FL) Coll.
GMT Fact: Between starts, Brian impersonated puppets and would regularly try to sneak into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Even Fred Rogers was creeped out by this. Sure he looked like a puppet, but when you are 6'1" and dressed in tights prowling for children, you're in for a world of hurt. King Friday XIII had Meyer executed in 1993 before a shocked X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat.

Fan Feedback

2008-05-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Help us out...

What is Jim smoking?
What does T.R. stand for?
What is Mike yelling?

List answers in comments.

Jim Kern
Pitcher, Texas Rangers
1982 Topps #463

Topps Fact: Don Money tied record with 12 assists at 2nd base, 6-24-77.
GMT Fact: Jim Kern was so baked during the 1982 season that when he saw Don Money's name on the back of his card, he rolled it into a joint and smoked it while playing a "Two Tickets to Paradise" 45 in his skivvies.

T.R. Bryden
Pitcher, California Angels
1987 Topps #387

Topps Fact: Born: 1-17-59, Moses Lake, Wash.
GMT Fact: T.R.'s mother was a mermaid, his father a trout.

Mike Madden
Pitcher, Houston Astros
1985 Topps #479

Topps Fact: (None given)
GMT Fact: Mike is the victim of his own "Madden Curse" - he only has one testicle.